Still Standing with Late-Stage Lung Cancer

8 Years and Counting

by Joseph Liguori

If I’ve learned anything from my battle with cancer, it’s that can­cer can find anyone; it doesn’t discriminate. But more importantly, I’ve learned that a frightening and bleak cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence.

My entire life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with lung cancer eight years ago. I had enjoyed an active, healthy lifestyle. I didn’t smoke. I watched what I ate. It wasn’t until a physician friend of mine ex­pressed concern about my cough during a game of basketball that I had any reason
to see a doctor. Everyone in my office had a cough, so I didn’t think much of it. Still,
I took my friend’s advice and visited a nearby hospital to have it checked out.

I was shocked to learn that my cough wasn’t merely a symptom of a cold go­ing around my workplace. I had stage IV lung cancer that had metastasized
to my chest and spine. What’s more,
I was told that the cancer had spread
so far that neither surgery nor chemo­therapy would help and that I should get my finances in order and go on a vacation with my family.

I decided that I would do everything
I could to beat this cancer.

Instead, I decided then and there that I would do everything I could to beat this cancer. I was sure there were more options, and I was determined
to find them. My local hospital had
a great reputation nationwide, but it specialized in cardiovascular care,
so I decided to seek out the top cancer treatment centers this country
had to offer.

I believe it is because of my perse­verance in pursuing the best possible cancer care that I am still here today.
I did some research, chose a cancer center, and began an aggressive
treatment regimen to fight my lung cancer. In addition to the tumors in
my lung, chest, and spine, the cancer had metastasized to my brain, resulting in recurrent brain tumors for
which I’ve received various forms
of targeted chemotherapy and brain radiation, including stereotactic radio­surgery, a treatment that delivers a
high dose of targeted radiation over
a short time.

While my journey with cancer will never truly be over, I am thankful that advanced options for cancer treatment are available for people like me with late-stage cancer. I still make a con­scious effort to live a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating nutritiously and exercising. I also stay up to date on
the latest developments in the field of oncology and continue to work with
an all-star team of doctors to manage my ongoing care. Taking these steps helps me feel more in control of my own destiny and proud knowing that I’m playing an active role in yielding my best possible chance of survival. My advice to fellow cancer survivors
is this: Advocate for yourself, seek out the most advanced cancer treatments available, and most importantly, never give up hope.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Joseph Liguori is a stage IV lung cancer survivor living in AZ.

This article was published in Coping® with Cancer magazine,
July/August
2014.